perkin
the (auto)pilot nearly always increases thrust in the last few miles prior to touchdown
You have no means of knowing whether the landing is automatic or manual. Besides, whether it be auto or manual, they are both trying to execute the same procedure! If the wind speed and/or direction change during the approach, then the throttles may be advanced at one stage and retarted at another by the pilot
or the computer. On final approach, it is often (but not always) a standard procedure to slightly increase the thrust as this gives the pilot (or computer) greater control over the machine. No pilot sets out to make a firm landing but they do set out to bring you safely to the terminal, which is what you seem to be experiencing.
willow-blossom
we bounced around all the way back
Do you mean 'bounced all the way back down the runway' or 'bounced all the way back from Reus to Luton'? Neither the surface of the runway, nor the condition of the air over Europe is within the pilot's control. If there is turbulence on the route, the pilot flying may well ask Air Traffic Control for an alternative flight level, to see if it is smoother a bit higher or lower. However, it may not be smoother there, or an alternative flight level may not be available on that route at that time.